The National Space Council, originally established in 1989, was effectively inactive by 1993. Recognizing the need for coordinated national space policy, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 13803 on June 30, 2017, to revive the Council. This order aimed to streamline and enhance the United States' approach to space exploration, security, and commercial activities. Below is an overview of the key provisions and implications of Executive Order 13803.
Purpose and Revival of the National Space Council
Executive Order 13803 explicitly states its purpose to "revive" the National Space Council, which had been dormant since 1993. The Council's primary mission is to advise and assist the President regarding national space policy and strategy. By reestablishing the Council, the administration sought to provide a coordinated process for developing and monitoring the implementation of national space policy and strategy. This revival was intended to address the growing importance of space in national security, economic development, and international relations. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
Composition of the Council
The order outlines the composition of the National Space Council, specifying its members as follows:
- The Vice President, who serves as the Chair of the Council.
- The Secretary of State.
- The Secretary of Defense.
- The Secretary of Commerce.
- The Secretary of Transportation.
- The Secretary of Homeland Security.
- The Director of National Intelligence.
- The Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
- The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
- The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
- The Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.
- The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Heads of other executive departments and agencies, as determined by the Chair. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
This diverse membership was designed to ensure that the Council's decisions would reflect a comprehensive perspective, integrating insights from various sectors involved in space activities.
Functions and Responsibilities
The Executive Order delineates several key functions and responsibilities for the National Space Council:
- Advisory Role: The Council is tasked with advising and assisting the President on national space policy and strategy, as well as performing other duties as prescribed by the President. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
- Policy Review and Strategy Development: The Council is directed to review U.S. Government space policy, including long-range goals, and develop a strategy for national space activities. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
- Implementation Monitoring: The Council is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the implementation of the objectives of the President's national space policy and strategy. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
- Intersectoral Coordination: The Council aims to foster close coordination, cooperation, and technology and information exchange among the civil, national security, and commercial space sectors. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
- International Participation: The Council advises on U.S. participation in international space activities conducted by the government. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
- Conflict Resolution: The Council facilitates the resolution of differences concerning major space and space-related policy matters. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
These responsibilities underscore the Council's role in ensuring a unified and strategic approach to the United States' space endeavors.
Operational Provisions
Executive Order 13803 also outlines several operational provisions to guide the Council's activities:
- Meeting Frequency: The Council is required to meet at least annually to assess progress and make recommendations. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
- Staffing: The Council is to have a staff, headed by a civilian Executive Secretary appointed by the President, to support its functions. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
- Agency Cooperation: Agencies are mandated to provide information and advice to the Council as reasonably requested, to the extent permitted by law. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
- Reporting: Within one year of the order's date, and annually thereafter, the Council is to submit a report to the President detailing its assessment of and recommendations for the space policy and strategy of the U.S. Government. ([presidency.ucsb.edu](
These provisions are designed to ensure that the Council operates effectively and remains accountable to the President and the public.
Amendments and Subsequent Developments
In February 2020, President Trump issued an amendment to Executive Order 13803, further refining the Council's membership. The amendment added the Secretary of Energy and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy to the Council, reflecting the growing importance of energy considerations in space activities and the need for economic policy integration. ([trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov](
Additionally, in December 2020, the administration released a comprehensive National Space Policy, superseding the previous 2010 policy. This policy directed federal agencies to promote commercial space industry growth, strengthen the domestic space industrial base, ensure assured access to space, develop space nuclear power, improve cybersecurity for space systems, and advance international cooperation. It set specific goals, including returning Americans to the Moon by 2024 with sustained presence by 2028 and eventual human missions to Mars, while emphasizing the protection of space assets and deterrence of hostile interference. ([executive-orders.com](
Conclusion
Executive Order 13803 marked a significant step in revitalizing the National Space Council, aiming to provide cohesive leadership and strategic direction for the United States' space policy. By reestablishing the Council with a broad and diverse membership, the order sought to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in space exploration, security, and commercial development. The subsequent amendments and the release of the National Space Policy further underscored the administration's commitment to advancing the nation's interests in space through coordinated and forward-thinking strategies.
Sources
- Executive Order 13803—Reviving the National Space Council — The American Presidency Project —